Physical Performance in a Diverse, Population‐based Cohort of Individuals with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

To report the burden and correlates of poor physical performance in a diverse cohort of individuals with SLE.In this single-visit study of 446 individuals with SLE from a population-based metropolitan Atlanta cohort, we measured physical performance via the Short Physical Performance Battery [score range, 0-12; intermediate-low (<10) vs. high (≥10)]. We also collected demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables and examined the associations [adjusted odds ratios (aORs)] of intermediate-low vs. high physical performance with these characteristics via multivariable logistic regression.We found that more than half (59.6%) of our participants had poorer (intermediate-low) overall physical performance. Only 7% of the cohort received the maximum score on the lower body strength task, vs. 90% and 76% receiving the maximum scores on balance and gait speed tasks. Current employment status (aOR=0.69; 95% CI, 0.45-1.05) and higher cognitive functioning (aOR= 0.57; 95% CI, 0.42-0.77) were strongly associated with lower odds of intermediate-low physical performance. Higher body mass index (aOR=1.25, 95% CI, 1.01-1.56), disease activity (aOR=1.59; 95% CI, 1.27-1.98), and disease burden (aOR=1.38; 95% CI, 1.08-1.77) were associated with poorer performance, as were higher depressive symptom and perceived stress scores and lower educational attainment (not statistically significant).In our population-based, primarily Black cohort, we found that individuals with SLE commonly had poor physical performance. We identified both SLE- and non-SLE-specific factors that could help clinicians identify those most at risk for poor physical performance and intervene to improve, maintain, and support physical performance among those with SLE.